Video editing is both an Artistic and Technical process in which a collection of video material (footage) is compiled and altered from its original form to create a new version. The artistic process of video editing consists of deciding what elements to retain, delete, or combine from various sources so that they come together in an organized, logical, and visually pleasing manner.


Types of Video Editing
This process is basically mechanical in nature, in that it employs the use of Camcorders, VCR's, Edit Controllers, Titlers, and Mixers to perform the edit functions. For the input of the video sources and its final output to Tape or CD. Editing in this environment is essentially is a visual Cut-and-Paste method.

Non-Linear Editing
Computer Non-Linear Editing is not foolproof however. You must have the right combination of Ram, Hard Drive Space, and Operating System. Often times there are hardware and software conflicts with other elements within the computer, which can result in crashes. Outputting the finished video back to tape can have mixed results, such as jumpy or skipped frames.  If you have a PC and don't have all the requirements to perform the entire editing process, you can still use you computer simply as an edit controller, titler, or sound mixer with the proper software. In fact, using a computer in a hybrid Linear Editing configuration is fairly standard in many professional and amateur editing suites.

AUDIO EDITING
Sound Mixing
This can be done in either the original shooting process or in editing. Two or more sound sources can be connected to a sound mixer and then inputted into a camcorder's external mike jack (note: not all camcorders haved an external mike jack).
Two or more sound sources can be connected to a sound mixer, and then inputted into the record VCR's audio input jack(s). This enables the sound to be altered or added to during the editing process.

Audio Dubbing
This is the technique of adding audio to footage that is already edited together or previously shot. The audio is added to the video tape without altering the previously recorded video and, in some cases, without altering the previously recorded audio. Audio Dubbing is usually activated by placing the VCR in the Play/Pause mode, then pressing the Audio Dub function, then letting the VCR play the video while it records the audio.